Irish Swimmer Mona McSharry Eyes 2028 Olympics After Bronze in 2024

The 25-year-old is focused on enjoying the training process as she prepares for the upcoming European Championships.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting in shades of green, blue, and silver, depicting the overlapping motion and planes of a swimmer's breaststroke, conveying the dynamic energy and determination of an athlete's journey.A cubist interpretation of Irish swimmer Mona McSharry's Olympic bronze medal-winning breaststroke technique, capturing the dynamic energy and determination of her journey.Bangor Today

Mona McSharry, the 2024 Olympic bronze medalist in the 100m breaststroke, is gearing up for the upcoming Irish Open Championship in Bangor. Her journey, however, is more than just the upcoming races - it's a story of growth, self-discovery, and the evolution of an athlete's mindset. From setting her sights on the Olympic podium at a young age to overcoming mental health challenges, McSharry's resilience has been a driving force in her success. Now 25 and with an Olympic medal under her belt, she reflects on her passion for the training process and leaves the door open for a potential comeback at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Why it matters

McSharry's story provides a unique insight into the mindset of a seasoned athlete who has achieved her childhood dream. Her ability to find joy in the training process and her openness to exploring her future plans beyond the 2024 Olympics serve as an inspiration for other athletes and dreamers. Her journey also highlights the importance of mental health support for athletes and the power of self-belief in achieving success.

The details

After making a commitment to herself at the age of 12 or 13 to stand on the Olympic podium, McSharry faced challenges along the way, including a difficult period in 2022 where she questioned her love for swimming. However, she sought help, found support, and emerged with a renewed perspective. Now, as a 25-year-old with an Olympic bronze medal, McSharry speaks of the liberation she feels after achieving her childhood dream and the joy she finds in the training process. She remains confident in her potential as she sets her sights on the upcoming European Championships, leaving the door open for a potential comeback at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

  • At age 12 or 13, McSharry made a commitment to stand on the Olympic podium.
  • In 2022, McSharry went through a difficult period where she questioned her love for swimming.
  • In 2024, McSharry won the bronze medal in the 100m breaststroke at the Paris Olympics.
  • The Irish Open Championship is approaching in Bangor.
  • The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are a potential future goal for McSharry.

The players

Mona McSharry

A 25-year-old Irish swimmer who won the bronze medal in the 100m breaststroke at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“At the tender age of 12 or 13, she made a commitment to herself—a promise to stand on the podium at Paris 2024.”

— Mona McSharry

“What makes this story compelling is McSharry's resilience. She sought help, found support, and emerged from this trough with a renewed perspective.”

— Author

“She speaks of the liberation she feels after achieving her childhood dream. This is a unique insight into the post-Olympic mindset, often overshadowed by the pursuit of the medal itself.”

— Author

“What's particularly intriguing is McSharry's love for the training process. She speaks of enjoying the training blocks, a sentiment not often heard from athletes.”

— Author

What’s next

If McSharry continues to enjoy the training process, a potential comeback at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could be on the horizon.

The takeaway

Mona McSharry's story is a captivating narrative of an athlete's evolution, showcasing the power of self-belief, resilience, and the joy of the journey. Her openness to exploring her future plans beyond the 2024 Olympics serves as an inspiration for athletes and dreamers alike.